By KLTV Newsdesk –

Communities Help Shape New Strategy to Reduce Knife Crime, Gang Activity, and Violence Against Women

West Yorkshire’s top priorities for tackling serious violence have been revealed ahead of the publication of a new strategy co-designed with and for the region’s communities.

Feedback from a public consultation attracted 5,000 responses, highlighting key concerns such as knife crime, the impact of gangs and organised crime, and reducing violence against women and girls.

Young people emphasised the importance of visible policing, support from community hubs, and access to outdoor spaces in helping them feel safe.

“Communities can help reduce serious violence, we can use leaders and positive role models to support families.”

Other participants called for greater focus on education and early intervention, addressing gang culture, knife crime, and online harms.

“As a parent I need information so I can help educate my kids, so they are safe and don’t get pulled into gang activity.”

Mayor Brabin Pledges People’s Plan

The consultation follows an election pledge from Tracy Brabin to co-produce a dedicated strategy with communities, with a people’s plan set to be launched later this year.

The Mayor’s recent Police and Crime Plan has already highlighted serious violence, with tangible results.

In 2025, knife crime involving under-25s fell by 16% compared with the previous year, while robberies involving a knife decreased by 18% over the same period.

In January, Mayor Brabin launched the People’s Fund, making up to £100,000 available in each of the five districts for local groups and organisations to deliver projects tackling serious violence.

The Violence Reduction Partnership has supported more than 8,000 young people under 24 and nearly 500 adults since April 2025.

Meanwhile, the Mayor’s Women’s Safety Unit has contributed to better outcomes for victims in West Yorkshire, with notable increases in Clare’s Law requests and the use of Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders.

High-profile campaigns such as Just Don’t and I Took a Seat continue to reach new audiences.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I know how important tackling the scourge of serious violence is to our local communities, and they have told us exactly where they want us to focus.

“By working together, we can build upon our achievements, from reducing knife crime to making West Yorkshire safer for women and girls.

“This is a combined effort, but by listening to the needs of local residents, we can create a safer, fairer West Yorkshire for everyone.”

Local Projects Making an Impact

Projects funded through money seized from criminals under the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund are continuing to make a difference across the region. Examples include:

• OnTrak Community Initiative – Educates young people in Bradford, Calderdale and Leeds about knife crime, criminal exploitation, grooming, and drugs awareness, while teaching bike maintenance and challenging anti-social behaviour.
• Talk Your Walk – Run by Wake Youth Intervention Programme in Wakefield, it provides safe, inclusive spaces for young people at risk of anti-social behaviour, violence, and criminal exploitation to explore identity, emotional wellbeing, and aspirations.
• Breaking Silence – Delivered by Yorkshire Wellbeing Skills Group in Kirklees, it supports Black and minority ethnic women and girls affected by domestic abuse and honour-based violence, offering a safe environment to share experiences, raise awareness, and prevent future harm.

Alison Lowe OBE, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Serious Violence has terrible consequences that often spread far and wide.

“That’s why we’ve placed such an emphasis on early intervention and prevention, working with our communities on solutions that reflect their experiences.”